Thursday, 6 January 2011

This old wooden object displays fairly crude carvings of male figures on each side. One side shows two animals that look like a Himalayan antelope or goat and the other is perhaps a ram. At the apex on one of the smaller sides, the Tibetan character for the syllable Om can be seen. I was told by the Tibetan seller that it is meant to be hung above a door. It has a patina that shows it has clearly been handled a great deal. It is also possible it was used to make impressions in dough -- thus creating an effigy that could be used in dispelling obstacles. If you know more about the function of this piece and what it represents please let me know. 82 mm x 42 mm x 12 mm